Observations from Iraq, Iran, Israel, the Arab world and beyond

LIBYA: Rebels advance on Kadafi strongholds

August 22, 2011 | 6:12
pm

Libyan rebels on Monday said they had sent more fighters and weaponry to Tripoli by sea from their coastal enclave of Misurata, about 125 miles to the east.

"Several ships arrived in our beloved capital Tripoli from Misurata, with a large number of fighters and ammunition on board," said a statement from the information center of the Military Council of Misurata, according to Agence France-Presse.

The rebels in Misurata have continued to recruit local insurgents, the statement said, reiterating that the rebels “are determined to continue their advance to the capital."

They also advanced south from Misurata toward Surt, Kadafi’s hometown and a loyalist stronghold.

Scouts have advanced beyond the town of Abegrin, more than 60 miles south of Misurata, where they came under fire from Kadafi forces, but did not suffer any casualties, the statement said. In Tripoli, electricity had been cut off by early Tuesday, with the exception of Moammar Kadafi’s Bab Azizia compound, AFP reported. Men and children carrying rebel flags chanted “God is great" as they marched in Tripoli's Gorji district, while women chanted inside, AFP reported.

The previous day, during the rebel offensive on the capital, nearly 200 fighters from Misurata had infiltrated Tripoli by sea, according to a rebel statement.

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Photo: Libyan rebel fighters return fire during an attack by pro-Kadafi forces after rebels seized a Kadafi army women's officer training center in Tripoli on Monday. Ongoing fighting with snipers and other pro-Kadafi forces has prevented the rebels from gaining control of Green Square (renamed "Martyrs' Square") in the center of the city. Credit: Bob Strong/Reuters.